Encouraging Joy & Grace

Once a month I get together with a group of girls (my mama, my sister, my auntie and two friends we claim as family) for book club. We call it Bound Together. We read, we laugh, we eat, we donate to worthy causes. We eat a lot.

This month's book was by one of my favorite authors, Charles Martin. Water from my Heart is a big hearted attack on apathy. ​It made me think.

“Since that moment, I’d bought into the idea that isolation would ease my pain and indifference was the remedy for rejection. Clarity was quick in coming. Isolation is a prison and indifference is a lie. Neither work.” ― Charles Martin, Water from My Heart

Book clubs, small groups, mentorships and churches are all good formats to break isolation. Find your fit. Don't stay alone.

My friend and fellow book club member, Jill Williamson, is an author. And by that I mean a full on "can I brag about my friend who has 16 books published and I have autographed copies on my shelves" author. Check out her website at www.jillwilliamson.com. One of Jill's skills is her ability to research and put into words what she learns. She also has absolutely no fear to tackle a massive project.

Since Water from My Heart was set in Nicaragua, Jill decided to make an authentic Nicaraguan meal for bookclub. Here is the link to YouTube video that explains how to make the enchiladas we ate. May I point out that it is not in English? So my talented friend (did I mention she is an author?) took notes and watched and experimented and we ate divine deep fried meat and rice enchiladas. Did I mention that calories don't count at bookclub?

Jill graciously let us help for the final steps of making the enchiladas. Oh food prep is fun. If you've been following along on my blog you know I'm a fairly rotten cook. However, I'm a fantastic sous chef. I love to jump in with someone else's plan and help - especially if I get to eat the finished product.

The side dish was Gallo Pinto, literally “painted rooster”. It's a mixture of fried rice and beans. Simple soul food. I could eat it every day. Simple comforts remind me of who I am. The trick is to try to live a life that's consistent with who I am.

“While her emotions were very real and they gnawed at her with a raw sincerity, she was listening to something deeper. She was listening to her will, not letting what she felt dictate what she would do. Didn’t let it dictate her life.” ― Charles Martin, Water from My Heart

Yup. Feelings are not facts.

Jill also made spicy mango salsa. I may have eaten most of the bowl. The kick of the jalapeno balanced the sweet fruit. Yummmm. Sometimes I need a kick in life too.

“Indifference is the curse of this age. Indifference is evil, and it couldn't be farther from the heart of God. ― Charles Martin, Water from My Heart

So thank you for dinner my friend. And thank you for the beautiful books Charles Martin.

Want to read more? These are not Jill's newest books. But they are my favorites. The Safe Lands series is a dystopian wild ride of fun and redemption. I can probably get them autographed for you. I know the author.

If you are interested in putting together your own book club and would like a copy of our Bound Together plan send me a note on the Contact page and I'll share what's worked. We have found that six people, once a month is a perfect fit. Gather your fellow readers and eaters. ​It's fairly fantastic.

I was SO STRESSED OUT when you guys started to arrive. Nothing but the salsa and drink was ready. And it was simply precious how you all jumped in to help me with my--ahem--massive project. In a very short time all my stress evaporated and I was just happy and thankful to be with friends. <3

Reply

Gini Roskam

8/6/2016 03:28:13 pm

Oh bless your heart. Everything was absolutely amazing. There is no way under heaven that I would try to tackle a recipe written and demonstrated in another language. It was fun to help and even more fun to taste the exotic food stuff. Love you dear one.

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Mindy

8/14/2016 11:02:37 pm

Ha! Loved every minute.

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Armida

8/6/2016 12:12:44 pm

My heart is full with love for these dear ladies whom I call my 'Framily'. The dinner was deliciosa! and the company is the best. I've been blessed by Bound Together! They even gave me grace when I did not read the book this month... But now I am definitely going to finish after this post!

Reply

Barb James

8/6/2016 03:09:45 pm

Appreciate the quotes about isolation and I difference. Jeff and I have just been talking about this as it becomes a decided pathway for people my age si they can do what they want without being flexible or serving others. God is very clear on staying connected. Great times for you all!!!

Reply

Mindy

8/14/2016 11:02:23 pm

Barb. Yes, alone is not the plan. Built for community: thank you to you and yours for being part of my history!

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About Me

I love Jesus. I think my two daughters can change the world. I think you can too.